Saratoga Springs

Saratoga Springs is located near the southern boundary of Death Valley
National Park. Several springs feed three large open water ponds approximately
6.6 acres in size. This desert wetland supports a rich community of plants and
animals. Common reeds, bulrush, and saltgrass provide food and shelter for many
of the animals living here.

-
Like
Ibex Springs
to the north, activities at Saratoga Springs have been constant and varied over the last hundred years, for the springs
have long been the most important watering spot in the south Death Valley region. As with Ibex Springs, little remains
to bear witness to Saratogas past, due to the destruction wrought by years of harsh weather and the sticky hands of
generations of prospectors and travelers.

The first printed mention of Saratoga Springs is connected with the
1871 Wheeler survey. Although accounts are somewhat contradictory,
a portion of the Wheeler party apparently camped at the springs, and named them after the well-known resort of
Saratoga Springs, New York. Whether or not the springs were first discovered by Wheelers party, they soon became
known to travelers, teamsters and prospectors of the desert region, and were important desert stops for all. Although
the accounts again vary, the springs were a primary watering hole for the famous
20-mule team borax wagons
during the 1880s, as they were on the direct route from the old Amargosa borax works, and the alternate route for the
Harmony borax works
of Death Valley. [19]